La Cocina Oaxaqueña

"When we think about Mexican food in Seattle, La Cocina Oaxaqueña is like the best friend in a romantic comedy that turns out to be the protagonist’s true love—they’ve been there for us all along. The food is consistently delicious, and the good energy flows as freely as tequila. Speaking of, we’ve never been let down by the strong margaritas, delicious unlimited salsa, and snappy fried-to-order chips that are so fresh they burn your fingertips. It’s the kind of place where you could plan a meal two weeks in advance, or bust in simply when everywhere else on Capitol Hill is too packed. The cherry on top is their excellent Southern Mexican food, be it sour and spicy camarones al mojo de ajo, enchiladas topped with velvety mole, or al pastor tacos on homemade tortillas filled with saucy-sweet braised pork." - aimee rizzo, kayla sager riley

"You know when you’re in your car on a tree-lined street during summertime with the windows rolled down, blasting ’80s hits, and nothing can bring you down? You’ll get the same feeling at La Cocina Oaxaqueña. It’s easy to get in no matter how many people you’re with, the chips are fried to order, and the salsa is free and unlimited. You could stop there and have a fantastic time, but get some al pastor tacos, camarones al mojo de ajo, or a big plate of rich pork mole with perhaps the fluffiest rice on Earth, too. If we didn’t have to write the rest of this guide, we’d slam our laptops shut and go there right now." - aimee rizzo, kayla sager riley

"La Cocina Oaxaqueña is an ideal place for griddled fish tacos drizzled with sweet homemade crema, pint glass-sized strawberry margaritas, and tender pork mole served on the best Mexican rice in town. If bug bites, sunburn, and listening to your friend complain about their bad ankles have you grumpy, it’s impossible to stay in a bad mood here. Especially because the crunchy tortilla chips are always fried fresh to order, and their delicious salsa is free and unlimited. " - aimee rizzo, gabe guarente

"For several reasons, La Cocina Oaxaqueña is the best Mexican group dinner spot in Seattle. First, they take reservations over the phone and usually always have availability. Second, they have a free buffet-style salsa bar. Third, the homemade chips are cooked when you order them, so they’re always extremely hot and worth the occasional burnt tongue. Fourth, fifth, and sixth: the atmosphere is low-key but can turn up on the weekends, the tequila cocktails are poured in pint glasses (as they should be), and the patio is excellent when it’s nice out." - aimee rizzo, kayla sager riley

"When: Tuesday-Saturday, 3-5pm And 9-10pm, Sunday 9-10pm The Deal: $5 Beers, $9 Margaritas, $6 Glasses Of Wine, $6 Well Drinks, $18 Sangria Half-Carafes One of our favorite Mexican restaurants in the city works for nearly every situation, and also happens to have a great Happy Hour. Take advantage of the $7 al pastor tacos to go with your drinks." - Aimee Rizzo